Bendigo Library

We’ve had some fun chats in the library this month prompted by the ABC Radio National Top 100 Aussie Books campaign. Have you chosen your favourites? Voting closes Oct 1.

For Collections Manager Julia, ‘Stasiland’ is a hot contender, and perhaps a current-day political warning. She says:

“In 'Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall', Anna Funder places a newspaper advertisement: ‘Seeking: Former Stasi officers and unofficial collaborators for interview. Publication in English, anonymity and discretion guaranteed.’ What follows is a remarkable collection of firsthand accounts that are often so bizarre, disturbing and absurd that they seem almost impossible to believe. Yet every story emerges from the very real machinery of East Germany's surveillance state.
The world which Funder describes is one in which neighbour informs on neighbour, trust becomes impossible and dissent is treated as a threat to the state. Relationships are poisoned by suspicion and private life all but disappears. The result is a society held together not by shared values, but by fear.
Funder's account serves as a warning about the fragility of democratic norms and the ease with which authoritarian tendencies can take hold. Readers may find echoes of modern political movements and leaders in her descriptions of attacks on truth, hostility toward dissent and the cultivation of fear and division.”

Communications Coordinator Lauren says Emily Bitto’s ‘The Strays’ deserves to make the top 100.

“I was late to read this 2015 Stellar Prize winner, but, ten years post-publication, it made a big impact on me. The historical fiction was inspired by the lives of Sunday and Arthur Reed, and their circle of artist and writer friends. In this case, the magnetic couple are the Trenthams, and their bohemian parties, alliances and dalliances, are witnessed by 8-year-old Lily, friend of their middle child.
There are high prices to pay for the radical abonnement of conservative values within the group; namely for the children, and the novel follows this fallout. It also brings mid-century Melbourne into vivid detail.
The atmosphere of the book was all-consuming. As were the themes of loneliness, fear and the desire to belong to something more.”

Both titles are on our shelves, just saying…

The Creativerse is going to be AMAZING. We're proud to take part in this weekend's event for families, with manga workshops and more. Details below 👇🏼

The Creativerse Festival - Kenny Chan's comic panelling workshop.

How do you tell a story through pictures? Why do heroes tend to face one direction?
Kenny Chan reveals the secrets of comic panelling; how to build motion, create action and tell a story in just a few frames.
Learn the answers, plus other fun and simple concepts to make your comics come alive.

Saturday 3 October, 1-2pm
Ulumbarra Theatre 10-20 Gaol Road, Bendigo
Age range: 9-14 years

https://thecreativerse.org.au/festival-program/

Just a week to go until we welcome Pip Williams to Bendigo. Have you got your tickets?

Join bestselling author Pip Williams as she discusses her powerful new novel, The German Ward; a story of forbidden love, war and the enduring power of art. In conversation with Astrid Edwards, Williams will explore the hidden lives and forgotten stories that inspire her work.

Book your tickets now for 7 October: https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/event/pip-williams-the-german-ward

We're working, learning, reading and playing among the most beautiful faces right now. Behold the self-portraits of Bendigo children, reflecting their talents, loves hopes and dreams, and created as part of the Passions and Pathways program. Be inspired and heartened by the hundreds of works now on show in the library.

Our new Library of Things includes a range of Active Mind Kits.

Especially designed to support those experiencing memory changes, each kit contains books, puzzles, games and objects chosen to stimulate memories and spark conversations. And, they're lots of fun.

Naarah can recommend the cat-themed kit for fellow feline lovers. Simply come into the library, ask to register for the Library of Things, and start borrowing.

If you missed out on tickets to Jess McGeachin's session in Bendigo, snag a spot at Kangaroo Flat Library instead!

Discover some amazing places and animals, learn how to keep a sketchbook and understand the importance of inspiring others to care for the environment.

📍Kangaroo Flat Library
🗓 30 Sept
⏰2-3pm
☺️Ages 8-13 years

Learn more and book at goldfieldslibraries.com/kangaroo-flat-events/

Supported by City of Greater Bendigo

We're inviting kids to journey back through time and get up close and personal with touchable fossils, collection objects and taxidermy these holidays.

Our Dinosaurs. Megafauna and More event on Monday 28 Sept is supported by Museums Victoria educators. Book to confirm your spot, or drop-in and try your luck!

Dinosaurs, Megafauna & More Journey back through time and get up close and personal with touchable fossils, collection objects, taxidermy and activities.

🕊21 September marks the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This week, you’ll find a display of peace-inspired books, hand-selected by library legends Elke and Laura.

How did they arrive at these selections? 'We just went for the vibe of the book'. And that's as good a reason as any 😉✌☮

D&D taster today at 5.30pm!
Perfect for first timers. Materials provided. For ages 12-16 years. Bendigo Library.
See ya there!

We've just opened up tickets for a special school holiday event for ages 9-13. Bring your young book/craft/nature lover to the library to make a Tassie Tiger from recycled materials.

We'll also be exploring the moving book 'Too Many Tigers!' and reflecting on the theme of extinction.

Tuesday 22 September from 11.30am. Book now!

Tasmanian Tigers from Recycled Materials Celebrate wildlife, creativity and conservation. Follow the Tasmanian Tiger's journey through history with Monica Reeve's Too Many Tigers!